Japan elects first female leader, a hawk who promotes ‘Japan First’

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🗞️ Driving the news: Japan has elected Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister, marking a historic political shift at a time of instability within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
• Takaichi, a nationalist known for her “Japan First” stance and close ties to the late Shinzo Abe, was confirmed by parliament on Tuesday
• She assumes office just days before hosting U.S. President Donald Trump—one of the most consequential early tests of her leadership

🔭 The context: Takaichi rises to power following the resignation of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose electoral setbacks cost the LDP its long-held parliamentary majority
• Backed by the Japan Innovation Party, Takaichi secured enough votes despite internal party fragmentation
• As a protégé of Abe and a prominent conservative voice, she brings decades of political experience but faces deep domestic and diplomatic challenges — including navigating a precarious U.S.-Japan alliance under Trump’s second-term demands

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Takaichi’s ascension introduces new uncertainty into Japan’s global climate and trade commitments
• Her “Japan First” rhetoric and protectionist leanings may complicate cooperation on decarbonization, sustainable trade, and regional energy security
• The $550 billion U.S.-Japan investment deal—larger than Japan’s defense budget—could drive clean-tech development, but only if implemented with long-term environmental safeguards
• Meanwhile, defense spending and foreign policy shifts may affect Japan’s contributions to climate diplomacy and aid

⏭️ What's next: Takaichi will meet with President Trump in Tokyo within the week, facing urgent discussions on U.S. troop hosting costs, trade deal implementation, and regional security
• As she leads a minority government, domestic gridlock may constrain her international agenda
• Analysts expect her to prioritise stabilising the LDP’s public support, while closely aligning with Trump — though friction may arise between her “Japan First” policies and U.S. demands for deeper economic and security commitments

💬 One quote: "Takaichi’s biggest task is just going to be navigating the relationship with the United States and trying to sustain the alliance in a way that allows the alliance to survive, even if not thrive." – Emma Chanlett-Avery, Asia Society Policy Institute

📈 One stat: The $550 billion U.S.-Japan investment plan, signed under the latest trade agreement, is 10 times larger than Japan’s annual defense budget, raising questions about fiscal sustainability and execution

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